The busiest day of the annual Orange Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival started off a bit gloomy with steady rainfall around 6:30 a.m. But, just 4.5 hours later, the sun poked through the clouds and everyone was ready to get the show started.

The volunteer firefighters appreciate Mother Nature’s support as this is their major fundraiser of the year.

Proceeds from Fire Department food locations (the pavilion and the satellite tent near the fence on Orange Center Road) as well as the games the firefighters run (Dunk Tank, Speed Ball, High Striker, etc) go to the department to help pay for equipment and training expenses.

Under the main raffle tent, you will find $5 tickets for the big raffle, in which you have a chance to win one of 10 prizes, including a $5,000 Visa Gift Card! The drawing will be held on Sunday, Aug. 3 at 4:30 p.m. at the Orange Fairgrounds.

Clear skies ahead!

Also, listen for announcements for the 50/50 raffle, for a $2 investment you will win half the pot and the fire department gets the other half.

Sometimes, participation is amazing and the winner walks away with a couple of hundred dollars, but if only a few people play you could win only $20 or $30. You must be present to win, and that’s half the fun. I was extremely lucky for the first time EVER on Thursday night, happily winning $51. — it’s not $200, but it was more than I walked in with and for that, I am ridiculously happy. It helps pay the bills!

We have a Volunteer fire department?

After nearly 20 years of covering news in the town of Orange I am still astounded when I hear someone ask, “We have a volunteer fire department?”

I don’t think anyone writes more stories about the Orange Volunteer Fire Department or the extent of their training to earn certification. Training to enter a burning building. Training to drive a fire truck. In fact our volunteers do not get any money to leave their homes on Christmas eve to fight a chimney fire. No compensation to spend hours on a scorching day putting out a brush fire that’s threatening homes or property. No weekly paycheck to wake up at 3 a.m. to cut a drunk driver out of a rolled over vehicle.

Our volunteer firefighters have real paying jobs that they will leave whenever possible, in the event of an emergency.

With a volunteer fire department you save money on your taxes and you always have highly trained group of men and women ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to keep you, your family and property safe. Fire Chief John Knight hears the calls from Knight’s Equipment Inc., Highway crew chief Donald Foyer works just a few yards away from Station 2 on the Boston Post Road and can have a truck on the road in a minute after being toned out.

It’s not raining out, so head on down to the Orange Fairgrounds and do whatever you can to support the Orange Volunteer Fire Department.

If you hear a tone and see these men and women leaving their volunteer posts at the carnival, you know that they are on their way to help someone in need. (it’s happened at least once so far at this year’s carnival), but they will be back. It’s what they do.

Today’s events

Ride wristbands are good today for the matinee 12-5 and evening 5-12

If you didn’t buy advance tickets, there is an At Carnival special of $22.00 for unlimited rides: SATURDAY MATINEE noon to 5 p.m.

There also will be a FREE children’s raffle during the matinee. Children 12 years and younger can register at the main raffle booth to win free prizes.